Activist and SaharaReporters Publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has told Lagos State Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu, that he lacks the power to stop people from street protests to mark a year of #ENDSARS protest.
He said in a statement on Tuesday that Odumosu erred in an eralier release banning outdoor gatherings for the purpose.
The police said it would allow indoor events on the anniversary, but not outdoors.
Reacting, Sowore wrote:
A REJOINDER TO Nigeria Police Force Lagos Command!
Our attention has been drawn to the latest statement credited to the Lagos state Command of the Nigeria Police to the effect that no “street protests” will be allowed tomorrow to mark the historic #Endsars rebellion of 2020 and its attendant fallout due to police repression and Nigerian army’s murderous intervention.
We state unequivocally that it not within the powers of the Nigerian police to stop citizens from engaging in street protests, the right to engage in protest against unjust policies, tyranny and oppression is an inalienable right and as such these latest claims are at best superfluous and belligerently arrogant.
We urge the police authorities to ensure they carry out their duties to protect protesters who will be on the streets by way of cars, bicycles, tricycles, skateboards and by foot all over Lagos and its environs tomorrow.
The Lagos state police commissioner will be personally held liable if anything untoward happens to any Nigerian citizen engagin lawful protest during the #Endsars anniversary.
We urge our compatriots to remain steadfast and prepare fully to carry out their conscientious duties and historical tasks tomorrow.
#RevolutionNow #EndSARSMemorial #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigera #EndSARS #EndBadGovernanceInNigeriaNow
